WASHINGTON, Jan. 7 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The Christian Defense Coalition will
go to federal court and seek injunctive relief if the Secret Service does not
publicly lift the prohibition on the public display of crosses at the
Presidential Inauguration Parade.

In a letter sent to the Secret Service the group states, "No
justification exists for categorical exclusions of crosses from the Inaugural
Parade route." And, "...immediately redraft the definition of
structures to eliminate a categorical ban on crosses."

Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, director of the Christian Defense Coalition,
states, "By banning the public display of crosses at the Presidential
Inauguration Parade, the Secret Service has trampled the First Amendment and
crushed religious freedom in the public square. They have also shown a
disregard for the religious beliefs and sensibilities of millions of
Americans. If the Secret Service does not publicly lift this prohibition, our
letter makes it clear we are prepared to go into federal court to resolve this
matter. This marks the first time a federal law enforcement agency has banned
crosses from a public event and expressed the view that crosses could somehow
be used as a weapon."